Abstract
Background: The present study evaluated the objective effectiveness of wearing compression stockings during late pregnancy on leg edema by measuring changes in venous velocity and blood flow. Methods: Using Doppler ultrasonography, we calculated the popliteal venous velocity and blood flow and compared them in the following four groups: (1) 13 non-pregnant women (26 legs) without leg edema, (2) 23 pregnant women (46 legs) in late pregnancy without leg edema, (3) 22 pregnant women (44 legs) in late pregnancy with leg edema who were followed up without treatment, and (4) 21 pregnant women (42 legs) in late pregnancy with leg edema who wore elastic compression stockings for 1 week. Results: Both the average velocity and blood flow of the popliteal vein of pregnant women's legs in late pregnancy were significantly lower than those in non-pregnant women (6.32 ± 0.28 cm/s vs. 9.14 ± 0.37 cm/s; 118.48 ± 8.83 mL/min vs. 177.73 ± 11.74 mL/min, p < 0.0001, respectively). Furthermore, both the average venous velocity and blood flow in edematous legs in late pregnancy were significantly lower than those in non-edematous legs (5.32 ± 0.93 cm/s vs. 6.32 ± 0.28 cm/s; 82.68 ± 35.90 mL/min vs. 118.48 ± 8.83 mL/min, p < 0.0001, respectively). Finally, both the average venous velocity and blood flow were significantly higher in edematous legs in late pregnancy after wearing stockings than without treatment (7.69 ± 0.17 cm/s vs. 5.36 ± 0.17 cm/s; 143.22 ± 48.74 mL/min vs. 97.03 ± 40.07 mL/min, p < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions: The wearing of elastic compression stockings by women with edematous legs in late pregnancy significantly increases the deep venous velocity and flow. Thus, it is possible to prevent deep vein thrombosis in this population.